Doha, Qatar (February 24, 2007) - Her Highness Sheikha Mozah bint Nasser Al-Missned, Chair of Qatar Foundation, announced that Sidra Medical and Research Center is the new permanent name of the Education City project formerly known as the Specialty Teaching Hospital. The announcement was made at the Sidra Board of Governors meeting in which an extensive overview was presented of the project's progress to date.

The Board was briefed with reports in regard to the legal incorporation of Sidra and the architectural plans. There was also a detailed discussion of the proposed governance and bylaws for the medical center, anticipated to open in late 2010 with a staff of 2,000.

The Governors were also briefed on a recommendation, from the February 19 Qatar Foundation Board of Directors meeting, that Qatari medical students be given government appointments upon completion of their fourth year of the six-year medical program. This suggestion reflects the importance that the Board place on attracting high quality Qatari students to the medical school

Her Highness also launched the logo for Sidra. It features the 5-point flower of the Sidra tree, stylized to reflect the innovation and state of the art technology of the design and equipment intended for the premier all-digital facility. In selecting the new name and flower logo, Qatar Foundation built upon the theme of the Sidra tree which serves as the Foundation's logo, highlighting the relationship between the two entities and the Foundation's role as owner of the medical center.

"Sidra Medical and Research Center will be among the finest and most technologically advanced medical and research centers in the world," said Her Highness Sheikha Mozah bint Nasser Al Missned. "In an environment that meets the highest global standards, Sidra will promote healing, inspire learning and advance scientific discovery."

Her Highness serves as Chairperson of the Sidra Board of Governors which is comprised of His Excellency Yousef Hussain Kamal; Dr. Mohamad Fathy Saoud, Vice Chairperson; Her Excellency Dr. Ghalia bint Mohammed bin Hamad Al Thani; Dr. Jordan J. Cohen, Sanford I. Weill; and Dr. Antonio M. Gotto.

Sidra Medical and Research Center will offer world class patient care including specialty care for women and children, as well as general medical services for male and female patients of all ages. It will work closely with Weill Cornell Medical College in Qatar (WCMC-Q) and Hamad Medical Corporation to enhance the quality of healthcare in Qatar, promote excellence in physician training, and help build the nation's scientific expertise and resources through a coordinated biomedical research program.

The architectural plans for Sidra are near completion and will be announced in the second quarter of 2007. Construction is anticipated to begin in early 2008. Qatar Foundation has committed nearly US $8 billion to endow the high tech facility, the largest cash endowment of a medical and research center anywhere in the world.

More information about Qatar Foundation and Sidra Medical and Research Center is available at www.qf.org.qa.

Contact:  Patricia Davis
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